As we all know, the world keeps getting smaller. A generation ago, people were amused by the idea of Japanese cars competing in the US. Before you knew it, Japanese cars were doing quite well–for compact cars. Surely they could not launch luxury brands. But Honda launched Acura in 1986, followed by Toyota with Lexus and Nissan with Infiniti in 1989.

Then the Korean brands came and were successful. But surely that’s it, right? Countries like India and China aren’t really in the game yet, are they?

China may not have hit the US mainland yet with cars, but Tata Motors of India owns Jaguar and Land Rover. They are also creating very cool, high-quality cars in India, and it’s only a matter of time until they are on sale in the US.The level of these cars may surprise you.

Tata Motors today launched the Tata Indica eV2, the most fuel efficient car in India with a mileage of 25 kmpl [58.8 mpg!], certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for the CR4 diesel engine. Built on the Tata Indica platform, the Tata Indica eV2 succeeds the highly successful Tata Indica, India’s favourite hatchback.

The Indica eV2 sports an all new CR4 Common Rail Diesel engine that has a displacement of 1396 cc delivering 70 PS @ 4000 RPM. With a higher torque of 140 NM at a lower 1800-3000 RPM, improvements in the gear ratios, starter motor protection and reduction in the weight of the car by around 10 kg, the Tata Indica eV2 ensures a better pickup. The new CR4 engine has resulted in 32% increase in power, 65% increase in torque as well as a 46% improvement on fuel efficiency. [No pony car, but in terms of efficiency this is impressive.]

Besides, improved driveability, the new Tata Indica eV2 also offers two class defining features. The Auto-Drive Assist ensures that while climbing a gradient the engine will not stall even if the foot is completely taken off the clutch, thus enabling the driver to easily shift his foot to the accelerator. Another first is the Clutch-To-Start feature that will ensure that one cannot crank the engine unless the clutch is fully engaged, hence there is no risk of re-crank if engine is on.

The interiors of the new Tata Indica eV2 are in elegant shadow beige colour. The top trim sports a wooden finish centre console and host of other features like power windows, keyless entry, Bluetooth enabled music system and USB port, 4 spoke collapsible steering wheel, tachometer, rear parcel shelf, 60:40 rear seating, front and rear fog lamps. [Note the high trim level available--this is no cheapie car.]

The car comes with a warranty of 24 months or 75000 km whichever is earlier. [Not bad, right?]

The Tata Indica eV2 is in the range of Rs. 3.95 lakhs and Rs. 4.77 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi for the CR4 diesel engine and in the range of Rs. 2.95 lakhs and Rs. 3.58 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi, for the MPFI petrol. [I.e., at the current exchange rate, the diesel models cost in the range of $8,960-$10,821, and the gasoline engine models cost in the range of $6,692-$8,121. In other words, a very inexpensive automobile.]

So, I can’t tell you it’s a great car, as I haven’t driven one, but I think it’s pretty clear that Tata has the makings of a fierce competitor in the global automobile market.

I doubt there are many TataIndica eV2 cars here in the States right now, but, should you happen to have one, we would be very happy to ship it for you!